Ivan Garcia, 22 September — Empty bottles of rum and Domincan beer lie scattered around the courtyard as five people drink and talk about sports and business. Meanwhile, four girls take turns inhaling a mixture of cocaine and tobacco, known locally as cambolo , from a discarded soda can. The party could well cost the equivalent of two hundred dollars. And what are they celebrating? A success or a failure. If a little money comes your way, you throw a party. This is now routine, at least in Havana, where a group of friends might rent a pool or a house, buy some food, hire some prostitutes and have a good time.
In summer, hookers like Elisa often take advantage of this period of prosperity to pad their wallets. In privately owned bars, discotheques and downtown areas of Havana, the hookers roam freely.
Their extremely short, tight fitting skirts and overpowering perfumes make them instantly recognizable. And the economic crisis? Or the period of austerity? Those who own businesses, work in tourism or make money under the table are still enjoying the high life. Just kick a can and the hookers come out of the woodwork. And predictions are that their numbers will continue to grow.
At least that is what Carlos, a sociologist who lives in southern Havana, thinks. During the Special Period from to the number of Cuban prostitutes soared. They began operating among Cubans who owned businesses and now can be seen in poor neighborhoods where the main source of recreation is drinking alcohol and hiring cheap hookers.
The exact number of prostitutes is unknown. If we add the number of men who prostitute themselves, the number could rise to thirty thousand. We are talking about a big business. The boom in tourism on the island is too tempting a lure for many girls living in truly hellish family situations. It is likely that the number of foreign visitors in will exceed four million. And if the United States Congress lifts the ban on tourism to Cuba, the figure could be in the neighborhood of five million.
